Helplines
If you need to talk to someone, support is available.
Lifeline: Call 0808 808 8000 any time for free and confidential support.
OR
Samaritans: Call 116 123 anytime for free and confidential support.
Victims and Survivors Service (VSS)
On the 30th September 2022, the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) launched a new service dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors impacted by Mother & Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.
This includes those impacted by related institutions and historical adoption practices associated with related institutions.
VSS work in partnership with WAVE Trauma Centre and Adopt NI to deliver a range of support and services regionally across NI. VSS will also ensure that victims living outside of NI have access to the support and services that they need. This includes dedicated health wellbeing caseworkers, counselling, complementary therapies, information recovery & family tracing, disability aids, persistent pain and a range of other social and welfare support.
For more information:
Call us on 028 9031 1678
9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Email us at support@vssni.org
Visit our website: www.victimsservice.org
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
On 6 October 2021, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) launched an investigation into allegations of possible criminality involving Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.
If you come forward, you will speak with a specialist detective from the Historic Child Abuse Unit within the PSNI Public Protection Branch. You will be offered the opportunity to have your account recorded so that a criminal investigation can take place. You will also be offered to be signposted to other services for help and support.
Full details and how to contact the Investigation Team can be found here:
Investigation Into Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses | PSNI
